Proof of concept on district mobility service using small electric vehicles toward realizing a decarbonized city

Abstract

Renewing feeder transit services is crucial for maximizing the potential of the public transport system and advancing toward a decarbonized Bangkok. Herein, we propose a smart feeder transit service using small electric vehicles for limited areas (sois) and target facilities in central Bangkok. A 1-year proof of concept was conducted to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of this service and assess its potential for deployment as a new mobility service. We found that 1) the introduction of a small mobility service in sois can considerably reduce both road congestion levels and CO₂ emissions owing to the improved capacity utilization rate, downsizing, and the use of electric vehicles, 2) advantages of scaling could be garnered by expanding the number of facilities to be serviced, and 3) providing a mobility service that is cooperatively operated by neighboring facilities is more convenient and profitable than providing a shuttle service for each facility.